Verstappen: Red Bull promotion 'an amazing opportunity'

Max Verstappen says he is determined to seize the opportunity of his 'amazing' move to Red Bull, and that he is eager to match new team mate and three-time Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo.

The 18-year-old Dutchman also thanked Red Bull and Toro Rosso after the teams confirmed his promotion to the main Red Bull team from the forthcoming Grand Prix in Spain. Verstappen will replace Daniil Kvyat, who will return to Toro Rosso, with whom he made his Formula One debut in 2014.

"The next step in my relatively short career so far, is an amazing opportunity," Verstappen told his official website.

"I really want to thank Red Bull Racing and Dr Helmut Marko for the confidence they have in me. I'll have the chance to learn a lot from the top team that is Red Bull Racing. I'm also looking forward to work with an experienced and proven team mate like Daniel Ricciardo.

"I can't thank all the people at Scuderia Toro Rosso enough for all their hard work. Everyone back at the factory in Faenza, and Franz Tost in particular, have made an amazing contribution to get me this far in my career. We've had an amazing time together.

"Together with Red Bull Racing we'll do everything to prepare me as best as possible for my first laps in the RB12 Tag Heuer, next week in Barcelona. I cannot wait for that special moment to happen."

Toro Rosso, meanwhile, said they are looking forward to welcoming Kvyat back into their fold. The 22-year-old Russian drove for the team during the 2014 campaign before his promotion to Red Bull, claiming five points finishes along the way.

"We are more than happy to welcome Daniil back to Faenza," Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost added, "and look forward to having a successful season with him."